Abstract

 

The theory of conceptual metaphor is believed to derive from the book The Metaphors We Live By, written by Lakoff and Johnson (1980). In this book, they consider that metaphor is a kind of mode of thinking and method of cognition. Thus, based on the conceptual metaphor theory, we analyze the words and sentences deeply from the novel The Scarlet Letter which was written by Nathaniel Hawthorne in 19th century. First of all, we use the conceptual metaphor to analyze the different meanings of the scarlet letter from the development of Hester’s life experiences; Secondly, to unscramble the natural images from the aspects of the natural scenes, such as, the forest is considered to be the realistic sanctuary and the sunshine is believed to be the blessing of God. Finally, we analyze the images of the main characters in virtue of the conceptual metaphor in religionism.

 

Key words: The Scarlet Letter; Conceptual metaphor; Natural image

 

Contents

中文摘要

Abstract

1.Introduction ………………………………………………………….………1

1.1The objective of the research …………………………………………………1

1.2The statue of the research……………………………………………….…….1

1.3The significance of the research……………………………………….…...…2

2.Literature Review…………………………………………………………….2

2.1 Cognitive metaphor…………………….…………………………………….2

2.1.1 Definition of cognitive metaphor……………………………………………2

2.1.2 Studies on cognitive metaphor………………………………………………3

2.2 The Scarlet Letter……………………………………………………………...4

2.2.1 Introduction to The Scarlet Letter……………………………………………4

2.2.2Studies on The Scarlet Letter……………………………………………….4

3.Metaphorical Meanings of the Scarlet Letter…………………………….…5

3.1 Committing a sin ……………….………………………………………….…6

3.2 Suffering punishment………………….………………………………………6

3.3 Winning self-redemption…………………………………………….……….7

4.Natural Images from the Perspective of Cognitive Metaphor…………….8

4.1 Sunshine……………………………………………………………………….8

4.2 Forest………………………………………………………………………….10

5.Character Images from the Perspective of Cognitive Metaphor………….10

5.1 The Image of Hester Prynne………………………………………………….11

5.2 The image of Arthur Dimmesdale…………………………………………….11

5.3 The image of Roger Chillingworth……………………………………………12

6.Conclusion…………………………………………………………………….13

References………………………………………………………………………...14